Ledger®Live App – Getting started with the Ledger device™

Why this guide?

This guide is built for both beginners and returning users who want a clear, practical path to using the Ledger Live app alongside a Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). It focuses on safe procedures — pairing, verifying addresses, keeping your recovery phrase secure, and understanding the signing flow so you never expose private keys to the internet.

What you'll need

• A Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). Purchase from official channels only.
• The Ledger Live app installed on your computer or mobile device.
• A secure place to write your 24‑word recovery phrase (do not store digitally).
• For mobile pairing: Bluetooth enabled (Nano X) or a compatible OTG cable for other models.

Step 1 — Install Ledger Live app

1. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or the official mobile store (App Store / Google Play).
2. Install and open the app, then follow the onboarding prompts (create a profile, opt into telemetry if desired).
3. Choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing wallet from a recovery phrase.

Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device

If your device is new, initialize it using the device's menus:

1. Power on the device and follow the device prompts to "Set up as new device."
2. Choose a PIN code — keep it memorable but not obvious.
3. The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write each word, in order, on the recovery sheet provided.
4. Confirm the phrase when prompted to ensure accuracy.

If you're restoring an existing wallet, select "Restore from recovery phrase" and carefully enter the exact words in order.

Step 3 — Pairing the device with Ledger Live (mobile)

To use Ledger Live Mobile with a Ledger device (recommended for Nano X):

1. Open Ledger Live Mobile and choose Pair a new device.
2. Enable Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the Ledger device.
3. Select your device model in the app and follow instructions to enter pairing mode.
4. Confirm the pairing code displayed on your phone matches the one on the Ledger device and approve the pairing on‑device.

For USB OTG connections (Nano S / Nano S Plus), connect the device with a compatible cable and follow any system permission prompts.

Step 4 — Pairing the device with Ledger Live (desktop)

1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and go to Get started or Manager.
2. Connect your Ledger device via USB and unlock it with your PIN.
3. Approve the manager connection on your device when requested.
4. Ledger Live will detect the device and allow you to install apps, add accounts, and sync balances.

Step 5 — Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device

Ledger uses lightweight blockchain-specific apps stored on the device to support different coins. To install:

1. Open Ledger Live and navigate to Manager.
2. Connect and unlock your device, and allow the manager if prompted.
3. Search for the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) and click Install next to the app.

Note: Device storage varies by model. You can uninstall and reinstall apps without losing access to funds — accounts are recoverable from the recovery phrase.

Step 6 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

1. Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
2. Select the blockchain/app you installed and follow prompts to synchronize.
3. Ledger Live will scan for addresses and display balances associated with your seed.

You can add multiple accounts for the same blockchain (segwit vs. legacy, multiple derivation paths) depending on the coin.

Step 7 — Receive cryptocurrency safely

1. Choose the account and tap/click Receive.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device and open the corresponding blockchain app.
3. Ledger Live will present an address and the Ledger device will display the same address. Verify both match before sharing.

Always confirm the address on the device to avoid clipboard or malware attacks that substitute addresses.

Step 8 — Send cryptocurrency

1. Open the account and click/tap Send.
2. Enter the recipient address, amount, and optionally a memo/tag if the network requires it.
3. Choose the network fee (low, medium, high) and click Continue.
4. Confirm transaction details on the Ledger device and approve to sign. Ledger Live will broadcast the signed transaction.

Tip: For new services or unfamiliar addresses, send a small test amount first.

Step 9 — Using Swap and Buy features

Ledger Live integrates with third‑party partners to enable buying crypto with fiat and swapping tokens:

• Buy: Use integrated on‑ramps to purchase crypto via card or bank transfer (availability varies by region).
• Swap: Swap tokens via liquidity providers; the app shows rates, slippage, and estimated fees.

Always check the fees and partner terms. Some services may require KYC and charge additional fees.

Step 10 — Staking from Ledger Live

To stake supported PoS assets:

1. Open the Earn or Staking section and select a supported token.
2. Choose a validator and enter the amount to delegate.
3. Confirm and approve the transaction on your Ledger device.

Remember: staking rules differ by chain — review unbonding periods, minimum amounts, and rewards mechanics before staking.

Security best practices

• Purchase devices from authorized sellers only.
• Never reveal your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
• Write the recovery phrase by hand and store it in a secure offline location.
• Verify all addresses and transaction details on the device before approving.
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated from official sources.
• Consider using a passphrase for an added layer of protection if you understand the tradeoffs.

Troubleshooting common problems

Device not pairing

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled (for mobile), the device is unlocked, and the correct pairing flow was followed. Restart both the device and the app and retry. For desktop, try another USB cable or port.

Apps fail to install

Check device storage and firmware version. Uninstall unused apps if necessary and try installing again via the Manager in Ledger Live.

Missing balances

Ensure you added the correct account type and that Ledger Live has finished synchronizing. If you still don't see balances, confirm the derivation path and consult Ledger support documentation.

Advanced topics

Passphrase usage

A passphrase adds an extra word to your recovery phrase to generate a separate set of wallets. It increases security but adds complexity—losing the passphrase means losing access to those funds.

Using Ledger with third‑party wallets and dApps

Ledger devices can sign transactions for many popular wallets and dApps. When connecting, always verify signing requests on your device and avoid unknown websites.

Checklist — before you go live

• Device and Ledger Live updated to latest versions
• Recovery phrase securely recorded and stored offline
• Apps installed for needed blockchains
• Accounts added and balances synced
• Small test send completed successfully

Where to get help

Consult Ledger’s official support center, knowledge base, and community forums for detailed troubleshooting and security advice. For account recovery, follow official Ledger procedures and never share your recovery phrase.